Camera Module Lens Holder Coupling to Prevent Sensor Contamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules face issues with foreign substances falling onto the image sensor due to thread structures on the lens holder and front body, leading to assembly problems and poor waterproofing.

Innovation Solution

The camera module redesigns the screw thread coupling structure by positioning the coupling parts away from the image sensor and using epoxy to fix the lens holder to the front body, eliminating the O-ring application and ensuring a secure, waterproof connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thread structures are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder and inner circumferential surface of the front body for coupling, then the lens holder can be securely fixed to the front body, but foreign substances are generated during assembly or by vibration that fall onto the image sensor causing black pixel phenomenon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidforeign substances on image sensor
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful thread structure from the coupling interface between the lens holder and front body. Instead of using threads on the lens holder outer surface and front body inner surface, the invention uses a groove structure on the lens holder that receives a fixing member, eliminating the source of foreign substance generation while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fixing member as an intermediary element between the lens holder and front body. The fixing member is inserted into a groove on the lens holder and secured with adhesive, serving as a mediator that provides secure fixation without requiring direct thread engagement between the lens holder and front body, thus preventing foreign substance contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If thread structures are formed on the lens holder and front body for coupling, then mechanical fixation is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and waterproofing performance deteriorates due to foreign substances introduced into the O-ring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex thread structure from the coupling mechanism. Instead of threading operations requiring precise alignment and multiple steps, the invention uses a simple groove structure that receives a fixing member, dramatically simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the fixation function into two parts: the groove structure on the lens holder provides the mechanical interface, while the fixing member (secured with adhesive) provides the securing function. This segmentation simplifies the overall assembly process and improves waterproofing by eliminating thread-related contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If thread structures are used on the lens holder outer surface and front body inner surface, then coupling is achieved, but waterproofing performance deteriorates due to foreign substances introduced into the O-ring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidwaterproofing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the thread structure that causes foreign substance generation and removes it from the waterproof interface. The groove-based fixing mechanism eliminates the source of contamination that would otherwise compromise the O-ring and waterproofing performance, while maintaining adequate coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12487507B2Camera module
Publication Date: 2025.12.02 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US12487507B2 patent drawing
  • US12487507B2 patent drawing
  • US12487507B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present embodiment relates to a camera module comprising: a first body; a lens holder coupled to the first body; and a second body coupled to the first body. The lens holder comprises a first coupling part comprising a first portion, which protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder, and a second portion which extends towards the first body from the first portion. The first body comprises a second coupling part which can be coupled to the first coupling part. The second portion of the first coupling part comprises screw threads formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second portion. The second coupling part comprises screw threads formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second coupling part.